Constructed from gold with enamel accents, the medal measures 5 inches long and 1 3/4 inches wide, consisting of 5 individual elements secured by chains with a total weight of 1.5 ounces. The first is a spread-winged eagle perched atop a set of crossed cannons and a stack of cannonballs, the second a two-star epaulet with black enamel field and stone accented stars, third a red and white maltese cross with a prominent diamond in the center, fourth a pair of crossed rifles, and fifth the star of the Grand Army, which bears the inscription on the rear "PRESENTED TO/James E. Van Sant./COMMANDER/DEPT OF MARYLAND/G.A.R./BY HIS COMRADES/APRIL 9th/1917". Born in 1846, Van Sant was a NCO and Drum Major with the 24th Iowa Volunteer infantry (1862-1865). Also known as the "Temperance Regiment" due to the recruiting Colonel's explicit call for men who were anti-alcohol, the 24th participated in the Vicksburg Campaign (seeing action at Port Gibson, Champion Hill, Big Black River Bridge and Vicksburg itself), the Red River Campaign, and the Battle of Cedar Creek. At the time of the inscription, Van Sant had been the 1-term mayor of Ellicott City, Maryland, and its Chief of Police from 1877 to 1904, in addition to financial work. Van Sant passed on in 1921.

Very fine, with a few light handling marks overall. The accent stones have not been formally appraised for weight or composition.